Skagway and the White Pass Railway: Worth the Fare?

Updated 29 October 2026 · 4 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

For most first-time visitors, yes, the White Pass railway is worth it. It is the best scenic train ride on any Alaska cruise, and it starts steps from the ship. If the summit is socked in with cloud, or you've done it before, Skagway's gold-rush streets make a very good free day instead.

What the ride is really like

The narrow-gauge railway was built during the Klondike Gold Rush, between 1898 and 1900, to carry prospectors over the mountains towards the Yukon. Today it runs purely for the view. From sea level in Skagway, it climbs to the White Pass summit at 873 metres in about 32 kilometres, hugging cliffs, crossing trestles over gorges and passing through tunnels blasted into rock.

Near the top, the forest gives way to a bare, lake-dotted landscape, and the US–Canada border sits at the summit. The guide points out the remains of the Trail of '98, the path stampeders walked with their supplies.

Where to sit

Sit on the left side going up, which faces the drops into the canyon and the best views of the bridges. On the way down, the views switch to the right. Better still, step out onto the open platforms between cars, where you can shoot without window glare.

Which train trip should you choose?

Options and prices change each season, so check the railway's or your cruise line's current list. These are the common choices.

Is it worth it on a cloudy day?

Weather decides more than anything. Morning departures often have clearer skies than afternoon ones, and in low cloud the summit can disappear completely. If you wake up to thick fog sitting on the mountains, consider switching to a town day instead. You will still see the lower canyon from the train, but the big views may vanish.

Skagway does sit in a rain shadow and is much drier than Ketchikan or Juneau, so clear days are common in summer.

The free alternative: Skagway itself

Downtown Skagway is part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. In two unhurried hours, you can:

• Join a free ranger-led walking tour from the park visitor centre. Spaces are limited, so pick up a ticket early.
• Visit the free park exhibits, including a restored gold-rush saloon.
• Photograph the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, with its facade made from thousands of pieces of driftwood.
• Walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls at the edge of town.
• Hike the short, steep trail to Lower Dewey Lake for views over the harbour.

A repeat visitor, or a family watching the budget, can fill a whole day like this for nothing. More ideas for second trips are in what repeat Alaska visitors do differently.

Ship-booked or direct?

The railway sells tickets directly as well as through the cruise lines. Booking through the ship costs more in some cases but guarantees the ship waits if the train is delayed. Booking direct can save money, but you're responsible for being back on time. The trade-offs are in ship excursions vs independent.

The verdict

On a first visit with workable weather, ride the train: it is the port's reason for being. On a repeat visit, in thick fog or on a tight budget, walk the town and the Lower Dewey Lake trail instead. Morning summit departures sell first on summer sailings, so book before you sail, and put any onboard credit towards it. For how Skagway compares with the other ports, see Juneau excursions ranked and are Alaska shore excursions worth it.

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